FMF26: Mining’s New Generation About to Hatch
Global engineering and mining consultancy Hatch has been a familiar presence at the Future Minerals Forum (FMF) in Saudi Arabia for the past three years. But at FMF26 in Riyadh, the focus has shifted toward something bigger — the emergence of a new generation of mining professionals.
Speaking with Mining.com.au during the event, Hatch Vice Chairman Joe Lombard explained why the forum continues to attract him after more than four decades in the mining industry.
According to Lombard, FMF offers a rare opportunity to connect directly with senior decision-makers. “There’s a very high concentration of quality clients here,” he said, noting that CEOs and senior executives from across the global mining sector attend the forum and are highly accessible. “It’s large, but not overwhelming, and that makes meaningful conversations possible.”
With Hatch now marking over 70 years in business, Lombard emphasized the company’s long-standing relationships with mining clients worldwide. “Many of our clients have been with us for decades, and FMF gives us a chance to reconnect and strengthen those partnerships.”
Supporting Saudi Arabia’s Mining Vision
Lombard also highlighted how Hatch aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy, particularly the Kingdom’s ambition to build a globally competitive mining sector.
He pointed to remarks made by Bob Wilt, CEO of Maaden, during the forum, confirming that Hatch is a key partner in the development of Maaden’s $110 billion mining growth program.
“That partnership is the result of more than 20 years of groundwork,” Lombard said. “We’re extremely proud to be part of this nation-building effort in Saudi Arabia alongside Maaden.”
Investing in the Next Generation
A recurring theme at FMF26 was the urgent need to attract young talent into mining. Lombard described this as the beginning of a new chapter for Hatch in the region.
“Our real journey is starting now,” he said, explaining that the company plans to replicate its global talent-development approach in Saudi Arabia. This includes building relationships with universities, mentoring students, and engaging young people as early as high school.
One initiative Lombard is personally involved with is FIRST Robotics, a global STEM program encouraging students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Hatch has been a long-time platinum sponsor of FIRST Robotics Canada and has expanded its support to Australia, sponsoring multiple teams.
A Culture That Retains Talent
Lombard believes Hatch’s employee-owned structure plays a major role in attracting and retaining talent. “We’re different,” he said. “We value technical excellence, but we also want people who can communicate, collaborate, and innovate.”
He noted that many employees build lifelong careers within the company — in some cases spanning multiple generations of the same family. “People who join Hatch tend to stay. You can have several careers within the organisation.”
With a global workforce of more than 10,000 professionals operating across over 150 countries, Hatch continues to work on complex mining, metals, energy, and infrastructure projects worldwide — all while preparing the next generation of leaders to shape the future of mining.
